Bafana Bafana secured an away 2-0 victory over Uganda in their CAF AFCON qualifier on Friday afternoon at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium.
Thapelo Morena and Patrick Maswanganyi goals proved to be the difference, securing maximum points for South Africa and propelling them to the top of the group standings.
Both South Africa and Uganda entered the match with qualification for the continental showpiece already secured, thanks to South Sudan’s victory over Congo the previous day. This meant the match was devoid of high stakes, leading to a cautious and somewhat lackluster affair.
The early stages saw both teams patiently probing, exchanging possession without taking unnecessary risks.
Uganda’s pacy duo, Rogers Mato and Denis Omedi threatened on the wings, while South Africa looked to exploit the right flank with Elias Mokwana and Khuliso Mudau.
Despite these occasional flashes of attacking intent, clear-cut chances were hard to come by.
The best opportunity of the first half fell to Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba, who set up Mokwana with a clever cut-back. However, Ugandan goalkeeper Ismael Watenga was alert to the danger and made a crucial save.
As the half wore on, the game settled into a predictable rhythm, with neither side able to impose their will. The teams went into the break locked at 0-0.
SUPER SUB MORENA BROKE THE DEADLOCK
To inject more attacking impetus, Hugo Broos made an early substitution, replacing Mokwana with Thapelo Morena.
Uganda’s goalkeeper Watenga was tested early in the second half, denying a powerful long-range shot from Appollis. However, the rebound fell to Evidence Makgopa, whose effort was blocked by the Ugandan defence.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 49th minute. South Africa capitalised on a defensive error by Uganda, and Thapelo Morena was on hand to slot the ball into the net.
Around the hour mark, South Africa dominated possession, playing free-flowing football with Uganda finding it challenging to establish a presence in the match.
In the 70th minute, Broos threw in Patrick Maswanganyi, Iqraam Rayners and Fawaaz Basadien taking off Luke Le Roux, Makgopa and Modiba.
In the dying minutes of the game, South Africa doubled their lead. A sublime lob pass from Iqraam Rayners found Patrick Maswanganyi, who executed a brilliant turn inside the box and fired a shot past a helpless Watenga.
Broos’ men expertly managed the remaining time, ensuring a comfortable 2-0 victory.
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